“Marin is truly Vivi. She has the strength of will, but she also has a unique atmosphere that makes everyone want to protect her.” Miyu and Marin Honda about performing in “One Piece” on ice
Translation of the interview with Marin and Miyu Honda about their performance “One Piece” ice show.
source: sportiva.shueisha.co.jp dd. 13th September 2023 by Yumeko Yamamoto
Anime ‘One Piece’ on ice! The ice show ‘One Piece on Ice Episode of Alabasta,’ which is the first of its kind, received a tremendous response during its Yokohama performance (August 11-13) and Nagoya performance (September 2-3). Sisters Marin Honda, who played Princess Vivi, and Miyu Honda, who played Nami, discussed their experience in this ice show.
This time, you two worked together as sisters. What do you think of each other’s performances?
Marin Honda: As we went through rehearsals, I felt that I could portray Vivi more and more like her character. But Nami, played by Miyu, was already ‘Nami’ from the stage of the July play rehearsals.
Everyone in the cast seemed to improve as they followed Miyu’s performance, and I personally think that this became the initial trigger for making the ice show the best. During the performance in Yokohama, there’s a scene at the end where they set sail with the ‘crew’s symbol,’ and I heard rumors that she cries every time (laughs).
※Editor’s note: In the setting, Nami’s expression is not visible from Vivi’s position.
Miyu Honda: Haha (laughs).
Marin Honda: I truly thought it was amazing at that time, and I felt that I had to work hard to reach that level myself.
Miyu Honda: Thank you! In that scene, my sister (Marin) was already serious from the rehearsals, but when she came to the actual venue, put on her costume, and stood in front of the audience, I felt that her seriousness reached another level. Maybe she didn’t realize it herself, but it was really… incomparable to the rehearsals.
Marin Honda: (In response to Miyu’s previous comment) You’re doing it properly even during rehearsals! (Laughs)
Miyu Honda: Yes, I’m giving it my all during rehearsals (laughs). Marin, too, was incredible. She had been doing great since rehearsals, but when she stood in front of the audience, there was this incredible shine. Even though I had heard Vivi’s speech many times during rehearsals, in the final scene where she says, “I came to say goodbye,” it felt like I was hearing it for the first time every time, and I couldn’t help but cry. It gave me goosebumps and a shiver down my spine.
Nami’s battle scenes were also portrayed with great intensity.
Miyu Honda: (Continuing) Other battles involve movements like spins and jumps, but Nami’s battle scene involves staying in the same posture for about 30 seconds. Honestly, I thought this might not be an exciting part for the audience because it relies solely on facial expressions. So, I wanted to make sure that this time doesn’t become boring for the audience.
Marin Honda: (Continuing) Miyu’s performances have always been exemplary for everyone, and that includes me as well. So, I’m happy to see that this work has become a culmination of Miyu’s acting and skating skills, creating something truly special.
Could you tell us about the inspiration you received from other cast members and your favorite scenes?
Marin Honda: Apart from Nami, I’d say it’s Luffy (Shoma Uno) and Crocodile (Takahito Mura). The three of us, Luffy, Crocodile, and I, have a lot of scenes together, so we practiced together a lot. Because of that, we often discussed how we could make things better, and seeing Luffy and Crocodile’s battle scenes come together just like the original work always moves me.
Miyu Honda: For me, it’s the scene where Luffy and Vivi skate together at the end. They create a space that feels like they’re dreaming, and it’s so beautiful. I was captivated by it from the rehearsals. I think it’s because of Uno-san and Marin can skate so well.
They even had a brawl (laughs).
Miyu Honda: That’s right! Before Luffy and Vivi go into the brawl scene, even though they’re not looking at each other, but at the same time they are like, “Alright!” It’s like they synchronize their spirit without eye contact. Watching that from behind, you can’t help but get inspired too. I think everyone who was there felt that.
The intensity of the brawl scenes is really impressive.
Miyu Honda: Do they actually hit each other?
Marin Honda: Occasionally, they do (laughs). Uno-san really gets into his role as Luffy, coming at you with a fierce expression in his eyes. It’s truly commendable.
How do you feel about the possibilities of 2.5D ice shows like this one?
Marin Honda: All the cast members are really excited and talking about various things. Like, “Can we do this work too?” or “For ‘One Piece,’ maybe we can do another chapter?”
Miyu Honda: They even think about the casting (laughs).
Marin Honda: We want to do the Skypiea arc and things like that. It’s really fun.
Miyu Honda: Yeah, it broadens the possibilities of figure skating. We’re experiencing the feeling that there might be nothing we can’t do on the ice.
How do you think this experience will benefit you in the future?
Marin Honda: Between the Yokohama and Nagoya performances, I had Mr. Kenji Miyamoto (※Choreographer for ‘One Piece on Ice’) choreograph my competitive program. It’s a song with lyrics, and I found myself naturally singing the lyrics while skating. Then, Mr. Miyamoto got really emotional and said, “It reminds me of Vivi. Just a moment” (laughs). That’s how ingrained it has become. I realized that I can skate naturally while humming or singing the lyrics.
Miyu Honda: When you have a large group working together like this, I think it’s important for everyone to be motivated. Raising that motivation isn’t something that can be easily done, but with ‘One Piece on Ice,’ overall, the motivation was high, and it just kept getting more enthusiastic.
If everyone has the mindset of “let’s do it,” I think you can do anything.
Marin Honda: I really felt that Luffy (Uno) greatly elevated the overall motivation. Even during the rehearsal period, Luffy was participating in other ice shows. Despite the distant rehearsal location, whenever he had time, he would definitely come and practice with everyone. Then, he would immediately head to the ice show performance. Luffy kept improving, always performing at 120%. Everyone saw that and I felt that the overall level just kept getting better.
Many of the other cast members have also said the same. So, do you have any words you’d like to say to each other now?
Marin Honda: I truly felt that Nami is something Miyu herself can express on the ice.
Miyu Honda: Vivi is a strong princess, but she exudes an aura that seems somewhat fragile, like she might disappear at any moment. My sister is truly Vivi. She has the strength of will, but she also has a unique atmosphere that makes everyone want to protect her. I think only my sister could convey that.
Related topics: Marin Honda
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